Can You Wash a Memory Foam Bolster? What You Need to Know

Can You Wash a Memory Foam Bolster? What You Need to Know

(A Complete Guide for Cleanliness, Hygiene & Long-Lasting Comfort)

If you’re here, chances are you own a memory foam bolster — or you’re thinking of getting one — and you’re wondering one big question:

“Can I wash my memory foam bolster?”

You’re not alone.
This is one of the most common concerns customers share with us at Shizuku Comfort, especially when it comes to hygiene, odor, sweat, and long-term durability.

The good news?
This guide will give you the clear, simple, and safe answer — without the confusing instructions you might read online.

And by the end, you’ll also understand why high-quality bolsters like our DakiFlex Adjustable Bolster are designed differently, how to clean them properly, and how to keep them fresh for years.


🌿 So… can you wash memory foam?

Short answer: No — you should NEVER put memory foam into a washing machine or soak it in water.

Memory foam works like a sponge.
If it gets soaked, it traps water deep inside, causing:

  • Mold growth

  • Bacteria buildup

  • Odor issues

  • Foam deterioration

  • Loss of support and shape

This applies to ALL brands and ALL types of memory foam — cooling gel foam, shredded foam, solid memory foam, latex-mix foam, and even premium pressure-relief memory foam.

So if you ever see “machine-washable memory foam,” it is either:

❌ Not actually memory foam
❌ Low-density foam
❌ A marketing shortcut
❌ Or simply misinformation


💧 But the good news: You can wash the COVER.

All high-quality memory foam bolsters come with a removable, washable outer cover.
This is where most sweat, dust, and bacteria collect — NOT inside the foam.

For example, our DakiFlex Adjustable Bolster includes:

  • A soft, breathable outer cover

  • A protective inner cover

  • Premium AoYuki Flex Cube memory foam filling

The outer cover can be washed as often as you like.


🧼 How to Clean a Memory Foam Bolster (Properly)

Here’s the safest, customer-approved cleaning method:


1️⃣ Wash the Outer Cover — Machine Wash OK

Temperature: Cold to lukewarm
Mode: Gentle cycle
Detergent: Mild
Drying: Air dry only (to avoid shrinking)

This removes:

  • Sweat

  • Body oils

  • Odor-causing bacteria

  • Dust mites

  • General dirt

If you clean the cover weekly or bi-weekly, you maintain 90% of the hygiene needed.


2️⃣ Clean the Inner Foam — WITHOUT Water

If the foam smells slightly or needs refreshing, use:

✔️ UV Sunlight (20–30 minutes)

Kills bacteria naturally.
Avoid direct harsh afternoon sun to protect the foam integrity.

✔️ Baking Soda Method

Light dusting → leave 30 minutes → vacuum.
Removes odor and moisture.

✔️ Vacuuming

Use handheld vacuum with fabric brush.

These are the ONLY safe methods for cleaning memory foam.


🍃 3️⃣ Use a Pillow Protector for Extra Hygiene

If you prefer zero-contact between your face/body and the foam:

Add a zippered pillow protector.

This:

  • Minimizes sweat contact

  • Prevents allergen buildup

  • Keeps the bolster fresh longer

  • Reduces washing frequency

Many customers with sensitive skin or sinus issues find this extremely helpful.


🛏️ Why Memory Foam Bolsters Are Still More Hygienic Than Polyfiber/Fibre Bolsters

A common misconception is:

“If I can’t wash memory foam, isn’t it less hygienic?”

Actually…
It’s the opposite.

Here’s why memory foam is MORE hygienic:


✔️ 1. Memory foam is anti-dust mite by nature

Dust mites cannot thrive inside dense memory foam.

✔️ 2. It traps less moisture than polyfiber fluff

Polyfiber bolsters absorb sweat and humidity — leading to odor.
Memory foam repels moisture.

✔️ 3. Memory foam holds shape longer

Traditional fibre bolsters become lumpy, uneven, and trap dirt inside.
Memory foam maintains structure and stays clean inside.

✔️ 4. Covers do 90% of the cleaning work

And covers ARE washable anytime.


🧊 What About Cooling Gel Memory Foam? Can I Wash It?

This is where customers get confused.

Cooling gel memory foam still cannot be washed.
The gel layer and foam structure can get damaged when soaked in water.

But you can freshen it using:

  • Baking soda

  • UV sunlight

  • Vacuuming

  • Charcoal deodorisers placed NEAR (not inside) the foam

Just like standard memory foam.


🌙 How Often Should You Wash Your Memory Foam Bolster?

To maintain hygiene:

Item Recommended Cleaning
Outer Cover Weekly or bi-weekly wash
Inner Protective Cover Every 1–2 months
Memory Foam filling No washing — deodorise only when needed
Pillow Protector (optional) Every 2–3 weeks

These schedules ensure year-round freshness with almost zero risk of damaging the foam.


💠 Signs Your Bolster Needs Cleaning (or Replacement)

  • Outer cover smells or feels oily

  • Visible sweat marks or stains

  • Foam feels damp (must deodorise immediately)

  • Shape feels uneven (for non-adjustable brands)

  • Allergy symptoms increase

For adjustable bolsters like DakiFlex, you can simply fluff or rearrange the foam cubes to restore shape.


🌬️ Why High-Quality Bolsters Last Longer (and Stay Cleaner)

Not all bolsters perform the same.

Low-quality bolsters tend to:

❌ trap heat
❌ absorb sweat
❌ turn yellow
❌ lose shape
❌ collect allergens

High-quality adjustable memory foam bolsters — like Shizuku Comfort’s DakiFlex — are engineered to stay fresher for years.

Here’s why:


1. Breathable Bamboo-Blend Outer Cover

Reduces sweat buildup and odor.

2. AoYuki Flex Cube Memory Foam

Ventilated and cooling, so moisture does not get trapped.

3. Adjustable Loft Design

Allows fluffing without damaging the foam.

4. Certifications for Cleanliness & Safety

  • OEKO-TEX®

  • CertiPUR-US®

  • GRS-certified

Ensures cleaner materials, no harmful chemicals, and safe long-term use.


🌟 Is It Worth Upgrading to a Premium Memory Foam Bolster?

If you care about:

  • Hygiene

  • Long-lasting comfort

  • Cloud-like pressure relief

  • Adjustable support

  • Breathable cooling nights

Then the answer is absolutely yes.

Cheap bolsters may seem okay at first, but they flatten, sag, and trap odor quickly.
High-quality memory foam products last YEARS — and stay cleaner with minimal washing effort.

With something that stays near your face and body for 6–8 hours every night…
Quality matters.
Your comfort matters.
Your health matters.


🛒 Looking for a Clean, Cooling, Adjustable Memory Foam Bolster?

Our DakiFlex Adjustable Bolster is designed for:

  • Hot sleepers

  • Side sleepers

  • Back sleepers

  • Pregnancy support

  • Kids & adults

  • Those sensitive to dust and allergens

  • Anyone who wants a bolster that STAYS fresh and supportive

Made with cooling AoYuki Flex Cube Memory Foam, breathable covers, and premium certifications…
It’s no surprise it has become one of our bestsellers.

If you're ready for cleaner, fresher sleep —
this is your sign to switch.

👉 Discover DakiFlex today — your best nights start with better care.
👉 Local delivery available & fast shipping

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